IRELAND HAVE DROPPED back outside world football’s top 30 after their play-off embarrassment against Denmark.
Martin O’Neill’s side fell six places to 32nd in the latest Fifa World Rankings following the 5-1 defeat at the Aviva Stadium earlier this month.
Denmark, meanwhile, rose seven places and are now ranked 12th in the world as they prepare for next summer’s World Cup in Russia.
The top five remains unchanged with Germany leading the way from Brazil, Portugal, Argentina and Belgium.
England drop three places to 15th, Wales drop five to 19th, Northern Ireland are down one to 24th while Scotland are down three places in a tie for 32nd with Ireland.
The42 has just published its first book, Behind The Lines, a collection of some of the year’s best sports stories. Pick up your copy in Eason’s, or order it here today (€10):